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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: RM81 on May 23, 2011, 10:25:00 PM

Title: Do snake skins stretch?
Post by: RM81 on May 23, 2011, 10:25:00 PM
I have the possibility of getting a couple of snake skins.  How much, if any, do the skins stretch after skinning and drying?  It's a copperhead that's about 23 inches long.  I ask b/c it's about an inch or so short and wanted to know if it could work for my bow after skinning and drying it.  Thanks.
Title: Re: Do snake skins stretch?
Post by: bigcountry on May 23, 2011, 11:17:00 PM
Some skins are tough.  And copperhead ain't it.  Be care trying to stretch too much.  You can definately get an extra 1" when you get it on the bow, just keep working it while the glue is setting.
Title: Re: Do snake skins stretch?
Post by: scrub-buster on May 23, 2011, 11:45:00 PM
They stretch a little when you wet them before putting them down.  You could stop the skin short of the tip and use an overlay.  I have seen skins that went part way up the limb and the ends were wrapped with thread.  It looks nice and is a way to use shorter skins.
Title: Re: Do snake skins stretch?
Post by: RM81 on May 25, 2011, 04:15:00 PM
Thanks for the info.